Paul, in some of his writings, emphasizes faith as the means by which we are received of God. James, also an apostle, also inspired by the Spirit of God, emphasizes works as the means by which we are received by the Lord.

The difference in emphasis shown here is one of several seeming conflicts in the Scriptures. Predestination and human choice is another seeming conflict. The unstable select one emphasis and reject the other. The saint accepts both viewpoints as being true and trusts God for the resolution; for he understands that the Scriptures are true in every part and cannot be changed in any manner.

There are no contradictions in God's Word, only limitations on our understanding because of our lack of experience in God.

Both Paul and James, who possibly may be revealing here some arguments that took place among the early followers of Christ, based their doctrine on God's dealings with the patriarch, Abraham. Let us go back to Abraham and discover why Paul could find a basis for preaching faith as the way to gain righteousness, while James could find a basis for preaching works as the way to gain God's approval on one's life.

Paul found great significance in Chapter 15 of Genesis. God directed the childless Abraham to consider the number of stars in the sky, and then promised Abraham that his children would be as many in number as the stars.

Abraham believed exactly what God had promised, and no doubt began to rejoice exceedingly, giving thanks to God and praising Him for all of these descendants.

And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness. (Genesis 15:6)

It is not recorded that Abraham did anything to earn such a fabulous inheritance, although it is true that he had been faithful to God to this point. God gave this marvelous promise to him. Abraham accepted it with thanksgiving and rejoicing, although he and Sarah already were old.

Abraham's ready acceptance of the promised inheritance was regarded by the Lord as an act of righteousness. God was well pleased with Abraham's response of faith. The immediate, unqualified faith in God's Word that Abraham demonstrated gained for him the favor and blessing of almighty God.

Paul's doctrine of righteousness by faith is derived from Genesis 15:6.

Beginning from Paul's day, the important and scriptural doctrine of righteousness by faith has, in numerous instances, been turned into immorality. It has become an excuse for lawlessness because its necessary and scriptural balance, righteous, holy, and obedient behavior, has been neglected or even discarded as not being an essential aspect of salvation by grace through faith.

We must not forget that Abraham was a righteous, holy, obedient servant of God.

And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. (Genesis 17:1)

To be continued.